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Posted by
light
on 2007-12-01

PUBLIC:

Softbank has a mixed record and they are largely a bunch of also rans. There is some entpreneurial experience there, but they are too busy trying to be "VCs". They promised the earth in terms of links to Japan but basically the Japanese arm is so divorced from them and does not give a hoot that they are unable to effect anything tangible. They are also quick flip types.

Posted by
anonymous
on 2007-11-02

PUBLIC:

We made a bad pitch. It was one of those days when the projector didn't work, etc. I accept full responsibility. However, when the partner left and I spoke with Jordan Levy he was kind and generous--these things happen, he said. We could come back. But then, sadly, calls were never returned. It is disappointing because we are all part of the same eco-system and these meetings are tough. I have found the good ones realize that and seek to make it palatable.

Posted by
fnazeeri
on 2007-03-15

PUBLIC:

Softbank lead our Series B round. We had 4 term sheets and chose Softbank even though they were not the best valuation because they proved themselves as the best team. I was very impressed with the team. We did thorough due diligence by talking to current and former portfolio company management (something we didn't do in the Series A which was a lesson learned). Softbank's references came back much, much more positive.

Working with Softbank after the round closed proved to be entirely as expected. I couldn't be happier with Softbank (and Steve Murray, the partner on our board).